Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham

Strawberry Hill House—often called simply Strawberry Hill—is the Gothic Revival villa that was built in Twickenham, London by Horace Walpole (1717–1797) from 1749 onward. It is the type example of the "Strawberry Hill Gothic" style of architecture, and it prefigured the nineteenth-century Gothic revival.Walpole rebuilt the existing house in stages starting in 1749, 1760, 1772 and 1776. These added gothic features such as towers and battlements outside and elaborate decoration inside to create "gloomth" to suit Walpole's collection of antiquarian objects, contrasting with the more cheerful or "riant" garden. The interior included a Robert Adam fireplace; parts of the exterior were designed by James Essex. The garden contained a large seat shaped like a Rococo sea shell; it has been recreated in the 2012 restoration.Under Horace WalpolePurchase and planningIn May 1747, Horace Walpole took a lease on a small 17th-century house that was "little more than a cottage", with 5acre of land from a Mrs. Chenevix. Horace was under familial and political pressure to establish a country seat, especially a family castle, which was a fashionable practice during the period. The following year he purchased the house which the original owner, a coachman, had named "Chopped Straw Hall". This was intolerable to Walpole, "his residence ought, he thought, to possess some distinctive appellation; of a very different character..." Finding an old lease that described his land as "Strawberry Hill Shot", Walpole adopted this new name for his soon to be "elegant villa".

I spent about 1.5 hours here last Sunday wandering around from room to room and was incredibly impressed with the architecture and stained glass. But the docents/staff in each room elevated the experi...
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By martinjf54On January 23, 2018

The house was modified and extended by Horace Walpole in the mid eighteenth century, The style is gothic (of a particular type) including added gothic features such as towers and battlements. The inte...
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By gregcarlow197On January 22, 2018

A somewhat bizarre house that is interesting to walk around. Reading the history of the house, it's builder, it's residents and its developments turn interesting into fascinating.
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Went there today with two friends. Amazing place, truly unique. The volunteer tour guides were absolutely brilliant. They came up to us in each room and shared their formidable knowledge. The cafe was very good value. They all really want people to enjoy the visit. And we did!

Beautiful grounds and woods, free to enter. Good for exploring with toddlers, hide and seek. Nice cafe. Pay to enter fascinating house on tours (several an hour when the house is open).

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By Megan HadleyOn July 19, 2017

Beautiful house well worth a visit. Worth every penny. Take the guided garden tour if it's offered. The guides are very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the house and it's quirky style.

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By Robert HarveyOn July 23, 2017

This is an amazing house built by Horace Walpole in the 18th century on the southern extreme of Twickenham Common. The wonderful gothic exterior is matched by even more amazing rooms. Only around 5 acres of the original gardens remain but these have been restored in the style of Walpole's original design. There is free access to the garden but access to the house is charged. Great cafe on the terrace of the house.

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